From where I sit on a day to day basis I just don't see much for my membership dollar and never have. In effect you MUST be a member in order to attend the conference (which is something worth it, but fodder for another topic). If you select the non-member rate you will automatically pay for the membership and become a member.

So what does one really get for the $? 6 magazines a year and PERHAPS some pub discounts. And let's not forget a lesser cost for entry into the AHA NHC. I guess now this forum could be considered a benefit. (FWIW - I am a member and have been for awhile.)

Let's explore those pub discounts further. In NC there are a grand total of 3 to be had. One in Asheville and two in the Charlotte area. In truth one in the Charlotte area does not apply. It is "Happy Hour Prices on Food - Anytime (where allowed)" and NC does not have a Happy Hour so no discounts there. Now we are back to TWO total places in the state and only if you can get your server to recognize they participate.

The AHA should have long ago started working on legalization of homebrewing and repealing archaic ABV limits which restrict the creativity of homebrewers. I'm sure I could be mistaken, but those efforts only seem to have begun in earnest in the last few years. I do applaud the current efforts being made and hope legalization is realized in all 50 states.

So maybe someone can spell it out for me the benefits the average AHA member would enjoy who is not entering the NHC nor attending the Conference?[Fred - no fair pointing to the membership-benefits page. Denny - yes, I am stirring up trouble ]

Actually, this forum is a benefit because part of the dues AHA members pay go to support this forum. So, while all homebrewers are more than welcome here, it's the paying members who are footing the bill for those who are not.

Mike, what you get personally from the AHA is one way to look at it, of course. But to me, equally if not more important, is what can I help the AHA do for other homebrewers. For me, that's more important than either Zymurgy or the pub discounts. And while you can certainly cite things the AHA should/could have done in the past (I think we could all do that in our own lives!), isn't the important thing what the AHA is doing now?

Maybe I'm just thick, but I'm still not ready to drink the Kool-aid at the love in. Forum hosting can be completely free or almost free, so I'm not seeing huge costs there which would deplete the Association coffers.

I can feel the Denny vibe of "Ask not what your country can do for you" ... but before a person becomes a member of the AHA a legitimate question is what will the organization do for me. Doncha think?

- - As far as what I do for the AHA, I've was Judge Director for the South Region of the 2008 AHA NHC First Round, and that was a gracious plenty. If I never see another shipping box it may be too soon!

Maybe I'm just thick, but I'm still not ready to drink the Kool-aid at the love in. Forum hosting can be completely free or almost free, so I'm not seeing huge costs there which would deplete the Association coffers.

Also, if you want your local brew pub to offer AHA specials perhaps you could ask them for it? You appear to be a well spoken person, perhaps you could use your powers of persuasion to work with your group and achieve your goals. That kind of activism and selfless behavior would certainly get you a free membership, and the gratitude of your fellow brewers. Empowerment could solve alot of your problems, and maybe get you a 2 for 1 special on Wednesdays down at the Slap N' Pickle brewery.

So while I do agree that the AHA could have done more to work on various issues, I also think that getting members actively involved in naming, and then addressing those concerns would move the process along. Take it by the reigns, even part time activism can yield major results. BTW I have only been a member a year, and plan on joining the ambassador program because of the same concerns you voiced.